Are you looking for a perfect destination to feel the beauty of nature in the year end of 2023? If yes, then you should consider visiting Sabah, a state in the north of Borneo island, Malaysia. Sabah is also known as the land below the wind, because it lies just south of the typhoon belt.

Sabah has a lot to offer for travelers who love nature and adventure. You can enjoy the sunshine, beaches, pristine rainforests, wildlife, and beautiful scenery in Sabah. Whether you want to climb the highest mountain in Southeast Asia, dive in one of the world’s best diving spots, or explore the rich culture and history of the local tribes, Sabah has something for everyone.

In this article, we will focus on introducing some of the must-go places in Sabah that you should not miss if you are planning to spend your year-end holiday there. We will also give you some tips and information on how to get there, what to do, and what to expect. For food lovers, don’t worry, we will cover that in our next article.

Why visit Sabah in the year end?

Sabah is a great place to visit all year round, but there are some reasons why you might want to choose the year end for your trip. Here are some of them:

The weather is cooler and drier than other times of the year. Sabah has a tropical climate with high humidity and rainfall throughout the year, but the year end is usually less rainy and more pleasant2. You can enjoy outdoor activities without feeling too hot or wet.
The wildlife is more active and visible. Sabah is home to some of the most amazing animals in the world, such as orangutans, proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, sun bears, hornbills, and many more. The year end is a good time to spot them in their natural habitats, as they tend to be more active and less shy. You can also witness some spectacular natural phenomena, such as turtle nesting and fireflies glowing.

Besides, the festivals are more festive and colorful. Sabah has a diverse and vibrant culture, with many ethnic groups living harmoniously together. The year end is a time when many festivals are celebrated, such as Christmas, New Year and others. You can join in the festivities and experience the local customs and traditions.

So, are you ready to discover the wonders of Sabah? Let’s get started!

Sapi Island

When people think of Sabah, the first impression that comes to their mind is the abundance of islands. One of the most famous ones is Sapi Island, which is also one of the five islands that make up the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. We have mentioned this island in our previous article, but now we will give you more details about why you should visit it.

Sapi Island is very fun and has a nice view. It has a clean beach and clear water that are ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. You can also organize a half day trip to Sapi Island from Kota Kinabalu, which is only a 15-minute boat ride away. There are many activities that you can enjoy on Sapi Island, such as banana boat, parasailing, snorkeling, and more.

One of the highlights of Sapi Island is the coral flyer, which is the longest island to island zipline in the world. You can fly from Gaya Island to Sapi Island at a speed of up to 60 km/h and enjoy the panoramic view of the sea and the islands.

Another attraction of Sapi Island is the wildlife. You can see various animals such as monitor lizards, macaques, and turtles on the island. The monitor lizards are especially impressive, as some of them can grow up to 2 meters long. They are not aggressive and they usually ignore the tourists, but you should still keep a safe distance from them.

Sapi Island also has some of the best snorkeling spots in Sabah. The southern side of the island has a rich coral reef that hosts thousands of marine species. You can also swim through caves and tunnels that are filled with colorful fish and corals.

Sapi Island is a small island that has everything you need for a perfect island getaway. It is less crowded and more natural than some of the other islands in Sabah. It is also easy to access and has many facilities such as restaurants, toilets, changing rooms, lockers, and souvenir shops.

Pulau Mataking

Pulau Mataking, or Mataking Island, is a small island in the Celebes Sea, about 40 kilometers from Semporna, Sabah. It is part of the Tun Sakaran Marine Park, a protected area that hosts a rich marine biodiversity. Pulau Mataking is a paradise for divers and snorkelers, as well as for those who seek a relaxing and peaceful getaway.

Pulau Mataking is divided into two islands, Mataking Besar (Big Mataking) and Mataking Kecil (Small Mataking), which are connected by a sandbar that appears during low tide. You can walk from one island to another and enjoy the view of the turquoise water and the white sand. You can also see the underwater post office, which is the first and only one in Malaysia. You can send a waterproof postcard to your friends or family from here.

Pulau Mataking is also a place where you can see and support the conservation of sea turtles. The island has a turtle hatchery, which is a project initiated by the Mataking Island Reef Dive Resort and the Sabah Wildlife Department. The hatchery aims to protect the turtle eggs from predators and poachers, and to release the baby turtles into the sea when they are ready.

You can visit the turtle hatchery and learn more about the life cycle and the threats faced by these endangered creatures. You can also adopt a turtle nest or a baby turtle and name it. You will receive a certificate and a photo of your adopted turtle. You can also witness the release of the baby turtles into the sea, which usually happens at night.

The turtle hatchery is a place where you can contribute to the preservation of the marine ecosystem. You can also have a meaningful and unforgettable experience with these amazing animals.

Kundasang

Kundasang is a hill station in the district of Ranau in Sabah. It is located about 6 kilometres away from Kinabalu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that boasts a stunning biodiversity and a majestic mountain. Kundasang is a popular destination for leisure travellers who are looking for stunning scenery, culture, history, and unique Malaysian delicacies.

One of the attractions that you should not miss in Kundasang is Desa dairy farm, also known as “The Little New Zealand” of Sabah. Here are some reasons why you should visit this place:

Desa dairy farm Kundasang

Many people say that the scenery here is like New Zealand. You can see the lush greenery and herds of cattle grazing freely in the pastures. The farm covers more than 200 hectares and produces fresh milk and cheese from its herd of black and white cows.

You can also see the Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain in Southeast Asia, from the farm. You can take beautiful photos when the sun is bright enough.

You can feed the cute calves here and choose to feed them grass or milk. They are super adorable and friendly. Apart from that, you can visit the barn, where you can observe the milking process and feed young goats.

Remember to buy their own products, such as ice cream, yogurt, milk, and cheese. They are very fresh and tasty. You can try them at their cafe.

We recommend you to come here early in the morning, as it can get crowded later. The ice cream may also sell out fast, so don’t miss it. Remember to buy your tickets online in advance, as walk-ins are not allowed anymore. You can book your tickets at Desa Cattle Dairy Farm (Admission Ticket).

Desa dairy farm is a fun and educational place for the whole family, so make sure not to miss it.

Alpaca Club Kundasang

Alpaca Club is a farm in Kundasang that houses alpacas, which are animals from South America. Compared to llamas, alpacas are smaller in size.

Alpaca Club is a fun and cute place for animal lovers. You can interact with the alpacas and see their different personalities and expressions. They are very gentle and friendly, but sometimes they may spit at you if they feel annoyed or threatened. So be careful and respectful when you approach them.

Alpaca Club is about 200 meters away from Desa Dairy Farm. IThe ticket prices are as follows:

Adult RM15.00
Child, senior citizen and disabled RM10.00
Infant RM2.00

The ticket prices may change. It is recommended to visit their website for the most updated price list.

You'll have 20 minutes of viewing time. During this time, you can learn about alpacas, touch, feed and take photos with them. After entering, there will be an alpaca standing or sitting outside, letting everyone line up and take pictures with it. If you want to feed them food, you can buy it on the spot for RM5 a cup.

ATV Borneo Adventure Sport

If you want to experience a different kind of Kundasang trip, you should try ATV Borneo Adventure. This is a fun and exciting way to explore the region on All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), which are four-wheeled motorcycles that can handle rough terrains. As long as you have the courage, you can join this adventure.

Before you start, you will have a simple operation tutorial to teach you how to control the ATV. You don't need any license or experience to ride it, but you must be at least 16 years old. You can choose to ride solo or with a partner.

You can enjoy the scenery while riding the ATV. You will pass through different tracks, such as the earthquake history site and Sosodikon Hill. The earthquake history site is where you can see the changes in the landscape caused by the devastating earthquake that struck Kundasang in 2015. You can see the big boulders that came from Mount Kinabalu during the quake. Sosodikon Hill is where you can get a panoramic view of the mountain and the valley. You can also see the local villages and farms along the way.

The ride is very safe and comfortable. You will be accompanied by professional staff who will guide you and assist you throughout the journey. You will also be provided with helmets, gloves, and goggles for your protection.

You need to book your tickets in advance, as they have limited ATVs available. You can book online at their website.

ATV Borneo Adventure is a thrilling and scenic ride that will give you a memorable experience in Kundasang. Feel the adrenaline rush and the beauty of nature at the same time.

Mari-Mari Cultural Village

If you want to learn more about the diverse and rich culture of Sabah, you should visit the Mari-Mari Cultural Village. This is a living museum that preserves and showcases the ethnic culture of Borneo. It aims to share the knowledge, history, culture, and tradition of Borneo with visitors.

The village is located deep in the countryside away from the modern and developing Kota Kinabalu city. It is set in a remote forest setting in Kionsom, Inanam, about 25 minutes drive from the city center. The village features five different ethnic tribes - Kadazan-Dusun, Rungus, Lundayeh, Bajau, and the famously feared headhunting tribe Murut. These tribes are built by descendants of the tribes which they represent.

The cultural diversity is not a problem, but our pride. Here you can feel the soul of Sabah and the warmth of different homes of Sabah’s ethnic groups. You can experience their way of life as it was and as it is.

You will be greeted by a chief with a welcome ceremony as you enter the village. You will cross a suspension bridge to reach the traditional houses of each tribe. You will learn a lot about the local customs and habits of the ancient ethnic groups.

You will also witness various demonstrations and activities, such as rice wine making, rope making, vest making, floor making, wall making, and more. You will learn how to start a fire using bamboo and how to make tattoos using traditional methods. You will also watch how to make blowpipes, which are used for hunting by some tribes.

You can also sample some of the traditional delicacies from each ethnic group at their dining hall. You can taste dishes such as hinava (raw fish salad), bambangan (wild mango), linopot (rice wrapped in leaves), hinompuka (glutinous rice cake), and more.

At the end of your visit, you can enjoy a cultural performance by the villagers. You can see them perform dances, songs, and music using traditional instruments such as gongs, drums, flutes, and more. You can also join them on stage and have fun.

The Mari-Mari Cultural Village is a place where you can immerse yourself in the fascinating culture of Sabah. You can see, taste, and feel the essence of Sabah presented to you as it was and as it is. Mari Mari means “come come” in Malay language. So come and visit this amazing place!

Tanjung Aru Beach

Tanjung Aru Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Kota Kinabalu, the capital city of Sabah. It is located about 6 kilometers from the city center and 2 kilometers from the airport. It is named after the casuarina trees that line the shore.

Tanjung Aru Beach is renowned as one of the world’s top seven places to watch the sunset. You can enjoy the stunning view of the sun dipping into the horizon, painting the sky with various shades of orange, pink, and purple. You can also see the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park in the distance.

You can enjoy the beautiful sunset and take a lot of nice photos at Tanjung Aru Beach. You can also relax on the soft sand, swim in the clear water, or stroll along the boardwalk. There are also many facilities and amenities nearby, such as playgrounds, food stalls, restaurants, bars, and shops.

Shangri-La Hotel

If you have enough budget, then Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa is a good option for your accommodation. It is a five-star hotel that is just located at Tanjung Aru Beach. You can spend one day of calm and relax at this hotel.

You can enjoy the facilities inside the hotel. You don’t need to go to other places. Just enjoy the views, services and sunset. The hotel has a swimming pool, a breakfast buffet, a spa, restaurants and bars.

The swimming pool is one of the largest in Malaysia and has a water play area for children. The breakfast buffet offers a variety of cuisines from local to international. The spa offers a range of treatments and massages to pamper yourself. The restaurants and bars serve delicious food and drinks with a view of the sea and the sunset.

Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa is a luxurious and comfortable place to stay in Kota Kinabalu. You can enjoy the best of both worlds - nature and modernity - at this hotel.

Zing Sunset Bar

Zing Sunset Bar is a seaside restaurant and bar that is located at the Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa, which is very close to Tanjung Aru Beach. This is one of the best places to watch the sunset in Kota Kinabalu, as you can enjoy the stunning view of the sun dipping into the horizon, painting the sky with various shades of orange, pink, and purple. You can also see the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park in the distance.

If you chose to stay at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru and like the beach and the sunset, you should not miss this place. Just a few minutes walking distance from the hotel. The food quality here is also very good, although it is a bit pricey, but it is worth it for the taste and the view. You can choose from a variety of dishes and drinks, such as seafood, pizza, burgers, salads, beer, cocktails, and more. You can also try their signature dish, which is the Zing Sunset Platter, a combination of grilled chicken, lamb chops, beef ribs, sausages, and corn on the cob.

If you want to catch the sunset, you should come here around 5 pm, as it can get crowded later. You can chat and eat with your friends or loved ones while waiting for the magical moment. After dusk, there is also a live singer who will entertain you with some songs. You can relax and enjoy your dinner and music at this cozy and romantic place.

It is advisable to book a seat before you come here, as this place is very popular and the good seats may be taken quickly. You can make a reservation online at their website Zing Sunset Bar or by phone at +60 88 327 888. There are many people coming here in the evening, so you should plan ahead.

Zing Sunset Bar is a place that will make you feel the charm and romance of Sabah. You can have a wonderful night here with your friends or loved ones.

Conclusion:

We hope you enjoyed reading this article and learned more about the amazing places that you can visit in Sabah. Sabah is a state that has so much to offer, from nature to culture, from adventure to relaxation. You will never run out of things to do and see in Sabah.

If you are planning to visit Sabah soon, don’t forget to download Reviewbah, the best app for finding and booking hotels, flights, tours, and activities in Sabah. Reviewbah is a local app that is designed to help you discover the best deals and experiences in Sabah. You can also read reviews from other travelers who have been to Sabah and share your own feedback.

With Reviewbah, you can easily plan your trip and make the most of your time in Sabah. You can also earn rewards and discounts for every booking you make. Reviewbah is your ultimate travel companion for Sabah.

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Year End Travel Guide 2023: Sabah, the Land Below the Wind